Section 9. Powers and Functions of the Commission. —

The Commission shall administer the Civil Service and shall have the following powers and functions:

1. Administer and enforce the constitutional and statutory provisions on the merit system;

2. Prescribe, amend and enforce suitable rules and regulations for carrying into effect the provisions of this Decree. These rules and regulations shall become effective thirty days after publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation;

3. Promulgate policies, standards, and guidelines for the Civil Service and adopt plans and programs to promote economical, efficient, and effective personnel administration in the government; and prescribe all forms for publications, examinations, appointments, reports, records, and such other forms as may be required under this Decree;

4. Advise the President on all matters involving personnel management in the government service and assist in the improvement of personnel units and programs in the departments and agencies;

5. Appoint its personnel and exercise overall supervision and control over the activities of the Commission;

6. Supervise and coordinate the conduct of civil service examinations being administered by the departments concerned as provided for under Paragraph 5, Article III, Chapter II, Part III of the Integrated Reorganization Plan;

7. Provide leadership and assistance in formulating, administering, and evaluating programs relative to the development and retention of a competent and efficient work force in the public service;

8. Approve all appointments, whether original or promotional, to positions in the civil service, except those of presidential appointees, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, police forces, firemen, and jailguards, and disapprove those where the appointees do not possess the appropriate eligibility or required qualifications. An appointment shall take effect immediately upon issue by the appointing authority if the appointee assumes his duties immediately and shall remain effective until it is disapproved by the Commission, if this should take place, without prejudice to the liability of the appointing authority for appointments issued in violation of existing laws or rules: Provided, finally, That the Commission shall keep a record of appointments of all officers and employees in the civil service. All appointments requiring the approval of the Commission as herein provided, shall be submitted to it by the appointing authority within thirty days from issuance, otherwise, the appointment becomes ineffective thirty days thereafter.

9. Inspect and audit periodically the personnel work programs of the different departments, bureaus, offices, agencies and other instrumentalities of the government, including government-owned or controlled corporations, conduct periodic review of decisions and actions of offices or officials to whom authority has been delegated by the Commission as well as the conduct of the officials and employees in these offices and apply appropriate sanctions whenever necessary;

10. Hear and decide administrative disciplinary cases instituted directly with it in accordance with Section 37 or brought to it on appeal;

11. Issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum or require the production of books and papers pertinent to investigations and inquiries to be made by the Commission in accordance with its authority conferred by the Constitution, this Decree, and other laws, decrees, or letters of instructions issued by the President; summon witnesses to appear at such investigation or inquiries;

12. Submit to the President an annual report which shall contain an adequate evaluation of the progress of the merit system and the problems encountered in its implementation; and

13. Perform such other functions as properly belong to a central personnel agency.